Outokumpu is an international stainless steel company which operates in some 30 countries and employs 8 000 people. In 2008, the Group's sales were EUR 5.5 billion. Customers are in a wide range of industries.

Tieto is an IT service company providing IT, R&D and consulting services. Main markets are in Northern Europe, Germany and Russia. In 2008, the net sales were EUR 1 865.7 million and number of employees (31 Dec): 16 618.

The project is funded through the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (Tekes), Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT), Turku School of Economics (TSE), Outokumpu Oyj and Tieto Oyj.

The project is coordinated by VTT and TSE. The steering group of the project consists of participating enterprises, research organizations and Tekes.